When a first baby is on the way, there’s a whole new vocabulary for mothers-to-be – and future dads too – to get their heads around.
There are the words you already know, but which have been put together in combinations that are either intriguing or terrifying. For example: ‘breast pump,’ ‘mucous plug,’ and ‘cracked nipples’. Then there are the completely new words that often exemplify the old phrase ‘ignorance is bliss’. ‘Episiotomy’ is a shining example.
As an American living in England, I have another language obstacle to consider, since UK and US English have so many differences.
Sure, I’ve been living here for nearly a decade so I’ve pretty much mastered the vernacular when it comes to things like lifts and elevators; mobiles and cell phones, biscuits, rolls, crackers, and cookies; and – my personal favourite linguistic booby trap – pants, underwear, and trousers. In fact, unless I’m really tired, I can switch back and forth with ease, depending on the person I’m talking to.
However, it turns out that the two countries have their own ideas about baby-related terms too and I had a whole new set of words to learn. My brain hasn’t really settled on one set or the other, so I’ve actually ended up using a combination of both ‘languages’ – but it’s good to be multilingual around baby, right?
- Pram, pushchair, buggy (UK); stroller (US) – Devices for transporting baby. Pram is short for perambulator, and I think there is a subtle difference between the different UK terms but I haven’t fully sussed that bit out yet.
- Dummy or soother (UK); pacifier (US) – The wonderful thing that makes baby stop crying when nothing else works.
- Moses basket (UK); bassinet (US) – An absolutely adorable place for baby to sleep for the first few weeks – outgrown way too quickly.
- Nappy (UK); diaper (US) – Poop and wee collection containers.
- Babygrow (UK); onesie, sleepsuit (UK and US?) – A one-piece baby outfit that generally includes built-in feet. Sometimes long-sleeved; sometimes not. I’m pretty sure ‘onesie’ was only an American term until it became ‘trendy’ for ‘adults’ to wear them. Anyway, it’s the term ‘babygrow’ that was new to me.
- Cot (UK); crib (US) – The place where baby is supposed to sleep, but the only place she won’t.
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I feel like there are probably other UK/US English differences that I’m missing when it comes to baby-related words. If you can think of any, please let me know in the comments below. I might not even realise that I’m using the wrong words.
Also, I’d love to hear what new words or phrases surprised you when in regards to pregnancy, delivery or raising a child – share in the comments below.
My absolute favorite phrase was “Give her time, she’ll grow out of it.” 33+ years and I’m still waiting. Love, mum
Hey, now, I’ve grown out of at least three of the annoying habits that I had a child: I’m fully potty-trained; I don’t talk with my mouth full, and I almost never throw tantrums in public!
In the US we have Moses Baskets and bassinets, and they are two different things. A bassinet is used indoors and has a stand usually on wheels in order to move from room to room. The Moses Basket has no stand or wheels, but has handles to pick up and carry. I’ve seen it used more often for traveling. The baby outgrows both of them quickly.
Wow, I’d never heard ‘Moses basket’ until I came the UK… guess I didn’t really have any *need* to hear it either. Thanks for educating me! 🙂